Understanding Heart Failure
Heart Failure is a chronic condition that occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. It doesn't mean that the heart has stopped working, but rather that it's not functioning as efficiently as it should. Heart failure can affect the heart's ability to fill with blood properly (diastolic heart failure) or pump blood effectively (systolic heart failure).
Common causes of heart failure include coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, heart valve disorders, and certain lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity, and lack of physical activity. Symptoms of heart failure may include shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs and ankles, persistent coughing or wheezing, and increased heart rate.
Our Services for Heart Failure
At James River Cardiology, we offer a comprehensive range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to effectively manage heart failure and improve quality of life for our patients. Our team of experienced cardiologists and heart failure specialists is dedicated to providing compassionate care tailored to each patient's needs. Here are some of the services we offer:
Diagnostic Procedures:
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Echocardiogram: A non-invasive test that uses sound waves to create detailed images of the heart's structure and function, helping to diagnose heart failure and assess its severity.
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Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): A test to record the electrical activity of the heart and detect abnormal rhythms or signs of heart damage.
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Cardiac MRI or CT Scan: Imaging tests that provide detailed images of the heart to evaluate its structure, function, and blood flow, aiding in the diagnosis and management of heart failure.
Therapeutic Procedures:
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Medication Management: Prescription of medications such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics, and aldosterone antagonists to help reduce symptoms, improve heart function, and prevent disease progression.
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Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT): A specialized pacemaker therapy that helps coordinate the contractions of the heart's ventricles to improve its pumping function in certain cases of heart failure.
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Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) Placement: A device implanted under the skin to continuously monitor heart rhythm and deliver electrical shocks if life-threatening arrhythmias occur, reducing the risk of sudden cardiac death in patients with heart failure.
Comprehensive Care for Heart Health
In addition to these procedures, we provide comprehensive heart failure management, including lifestyle counseling, dietary guidance, and cardiac rehabilitation programs to help patients manage their condition effectively and improve their quality of life. Our team is committed to staying at the forefront of research and innovation in heart failure management to offer our patients the best possible care.
If you're experiencing symptoms of heart failure or have concerns about your heart health, don't hesitate to contact us for an evaluation. Together, we can develop a personalized treatment plan to address your needs and optimize your heart health.
